Features

The Aircraft

The 177B and 177RG aircraft models were designed by Mikko Maliniemi of Finland, one of the most talented 3D modelers in the flight simulation industry,and you can be certain that this Cardinal is one of the most complex and detailed aircraft models ever produced. Mikko's father is also a member of a flying club, and the aircraft he flies is also a 177 Cardinal!

If you like the default FS Cessna aircraft, then you are going to be in for quite a treat with the Cardinal! Mikko held back very little when it came to detail, and here are some of the features to expect:

Interactive Virtual Cockpit & Cabin: Nicely detailed and with working gauges, and moving throttles, control wheels, rudder pedals, throttles, flap lever, cowl flap lever, and sun visors.You can fly from the virtual cockpit, or from our complete 2D cockpit and interior (see below). Working click spots for gauges, throttles, etc. Visible raindrops on the Virtual Cockpit's windshield.

Complete Moving Parts: Ailerons, rudder, stabilator, landing gear (RG model), and flaps all move. The wheels turn, and both cabin door and baggage door open and close. Be sure to watch the incredible animation of the landing gear extension/retraction on the RG version! With the press of a key, you can even tie it down and put the chocks and pitot tube cover in place!

Visible Interior and Passengers: This, of course, should be expected, and the interior visible from the outside of the aircraft is highly detailed, and includes Mikko (the aircraft's designer) and his father.

Fuselage and Lighting Reflections: The same as found on the default FS aircraft, there's even reflection on the aircraft windows.

Accurate Flight Dynamics: A pretty aircraft means nothing if it does not fly well, and while it is impossible to create 100% accurate flight dynamics for FS, you'll find the flying characteristics of the DreamFleet Cardinal to be quite satisfying.

Details Galore!: Everything from tie down ropes, chocks and pitot tube cover, to detailed textures, right down to almost every rivet and inspection plate that is on the real thing.

2D Cockpit, Instrument Panels & Interior

In addition to the 3D virtual cockpit and interior, the DreamFleet Cardinal features complete 2D instrument panels and interior views, in our "trademark" high resolution, digital photo realistic graphics. Use the "VC" or use the 2D views, or switch between both. Some of the features of our 2D interior include:

Main Instrument Panel: So realistic that you could almost swear you were in the real thing. Every gauge is there, just as it is in the real Cardinal, and operate as accurately as is possible within FS. Many gauges features a user selectable "digital readout", which tells you what the gauge is reading; great for those with small monitors, or to obtain high accuracy in setting. In addition, you can also select to place a "cover" over a gauge, so you can practice partial panel IFR. Of course the instrument panels feature near 100% accurate pilot's perspective. As with every DreamFleet panel you are seated in the pilot's seat, not in between the seats!

Landing View Panel: Essentially a reduced height version of the Main Instrument Panel, with a larger outside view for making landings easier, or for enjoying the scenery. The landing view panel features all of the primary flight and navigation instruments, and is suitable for IFR work.

Radio Stack: A choice of 3 radio stacks will be available, featuring both older and newer avionics. In addition, The latest version the Cardinal features Microsoft's outstanding Garmin GPS500 moving map GPS. in the FS2002 version the Cardinal showcases our custom-programmed GPS "SL320", which is a simulation of a real moving map GPS produced by a well-known manufacturer, and one that appears in the real 84 Charlie.

Interior Views: They are all here, and you can use these in place of, or to supplement the Virtual Cockpit views. Featured are Forward Left, Left (with visible wing), Rear Left, Rear, Rear Right, Right (with visible wing), Forward Right, and Up views. As with the instrument panel all views are high quality, digital photo realistic graphics. No rendered or hand drawn artwork here!

Sounds

Authentic Lycoming O-360 engine sounds are featured. You will also get all of the usual switch "clicks", gyro sounds, and fuel pump sound. An audible environment that along with the visual surroundings truly give you the feeling of "being there".

Extras

DreamFleet has always prided itself on giving you the MOST for your money, and the Cardinal is no exception.

Text-o-Matic: The ever popular "T-o-M" returns to the Cardinal, from its previous appearance in our 737 and Archer. With T-o-M you can repaint your Cardinal in any scheme you would like, or download paint schemes produced by others. Then use T-o-M to create an entirely new aircraft model, that sports this new paint scheme, and aircraft complete with all the features listed above. By using T-o-M you can create an entire fleet of Cardinals!

Config-o-Matic: Joining "T-o-M" is "C-o-M". With Config-o-Matic you will be able to select certain features for your Cardinal, such as type of autopilot, or whether or not you wish to load the 2D interior views to supplement the Virtual Cockpit. You will also be able to set the various weights for your passengers and baggage, change the color of the cockpit's dome light, and the instrument back lighting, adjust the airframe hours on the tachometer, assign certain custom keyboard commands, in order to access features not provided for via default keys in FS, and finally, choose the type of avionics you desire!

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